Allentown neighborhood is on the rise: Guide to Pittsburgh
What used to be considered a cut-through to get to Route 51 has become a growing and thriving community that continues to add restaurants and businesses to its repertoire.
Tucked between Mt. Washington and the South Side Slopes sits Allentown — centered around the intersection of two major thoroughfares, Arlington and East Warrington avenues.
Allentown, shaped like a right angle with a skinny tail that extends into Mt. Washington, is part of the city’s hilltop neighborhoods that overlook the South Side Flats.
Think: All the city views, none of the Mt. Washington price (average rent is $812 compared to roughly $1,000 for Mt. Washington, according to Niche.com).
While Mt. Washington is famous for its inclines today – the Monongahela and the Duquesne – Allentown used to be home to multiple inclines connecting the South Side Flats and the hilltop neighborhoods.
The Knoxville Incline – well-known because it curved – went from the area around Bradish and S. 12th streets to Brosville near East Warrington Avenue. The Mt. Oliver Incline went from Freyburg and S. 12th streets to Warrington Avenue near Mt. Oliver Street.
Now, though less than 0.5 square miles, the neighborhood is home to a growing number of businesses – with more on the way – and a growing rental scene.
Part of that growth, both commercial and residential, can be attributed to real estate company RE360.
“It’s been amazing,” said Ben Prisbylla, director of operations for the company.
The company began working in the Hilltop area around 2012 – neighborhoods like Allentown, Knoxville, the Slopes and Mt. Oliver – because owner Joe Callaway grew up in Mt. Oliver. Since then, RE360 has been snapping up vacant residential properties and storefronts that had seen better days.
The goal now, as it was then, has always been to attract businesses that would, in turn, attract current residents as well as those living in other parts of the city to the neighborhood.
“It used to be we really had to negotiate and really push to try and get people to come up here,” Prisbylla said.
But that has changed. One storefront, recently renovated and now bearing a mural and Maya Angelou quote, was listed for less than 24 hours before someone scooped it up. It will be home to The Open Road, a non-alcoholic beer and bottle shop.
Things to do
Hilltop with the Lid Off: Launched in 2019, this neighborhood festival came roaring back in 2021 after a pandemic-induced hiatus. Though plans are still in the works, Prisbylla said the neighborhood celebration will be back this year.
Allentown Night Market: Twice a year, makers, crafters, sellers and more fill two blocks with multiple outdoor and indoor market spaces. Live music and food are always a part of the evening. The next is scheduled for June 11.
Food & Drink
Alla Famiglia (804 E. Warrington Ave.): Upscale Italian fare in an elegant but cozy setting. Weekday happy hour specials range from raw bar Tuesdays with $3 oysters on the half shell to “bubbles and bites” on Thursdays featuring $20 bottomless prosecco.
Black Forge Coffee (1206 Arlington Ave.): Heavy metal meets mellow coffee shop. Black Forge offers intricate drinks, locally made bakery items and comedy open mic nights every Tuesday.
Breakfast at Shelly’s (740 E. Warrington): A classic greasy spoon offering well-priced breakfast plates and lunch items. Cash only. Get the home fries.
Forma Pasta (708 E. Warrington): Fresh handmade pasta and sauces, including monthly subscription boxes that come with everything you need to have the perfect pasta night.
Hilltop Tavern (750 E. Warrington): A classic watering hole offering everyone’s favorite fried pub grub.
Leon’s Caribbean (823 E. Warrington): Homemade Caribbean fare right here in Pittsburgh offering classics like jerk chicken, oxtail stew and a variety of curries.
Onion Maiden (639 E. Warrington): Continuing the heavy metal theme, Onion Maiden is a vegan restaurant with a full menu of plant-based food. Cash only. Proof of covid-19 vaccination required for dine-in.
Paisano’s Restaurant and Pizzeria (821 E. Warrington): A locally owned pizza shop offering build-your-own pies and pizza by the slice.
Coming Soon!
The Open Road: Based out of the coffee shop Tonic in Lawrenceville for two years, this non-alcoholic bar and beverage shop is getting its own storefront on East Warrington.
Inner Groove: After several successful years in Verona, Inner Groove Brewing is bringing its beat to Allentown. Its second location is set to open this spring on East Warrington.
Shops & Services
All Together Better (636 E. Warrington Ave.): In-person and virtual dog training, play sessions and grooming.
Biggies Bullies (600 E. Warrington): A foster home-based rescue working to rescue and rehome pitbulls and pitbull-type dogs in Pittsburgh.
Dark Root Barbershop (815 E. Warrington): Locally owned barbershop offering haircuts, shaves and trims.
Dr. Tumblety’s Apothecary (753 E. Warrington): A “time-inspired specialty shop” featuring tonics and trinkets, locally made crafts, oils and elixirs and vintage goods.
Goodbye Lulu (746 E. Warrington): Salon offering vegan manicures, pedicures and nail art.
Herb ‘N Ink (749 E. Warrington): Vegan tattoo shop also selling herbal remedies and teas.
Hilltop Pharmacy (818 E. Warrington): A family-owned pharmacy for everything from aromatherapy products to prescription refills to vaccinations.
La Marie Brow Club (813 E. Warrington): Offers permanent make-up and micro-blading.
Primo Cutz (607 E. Warrington): Spanish-language barbershop.
Salon Ivy (816 E. Warrington): Trendy salon offering cuts, color and special occasion styling.
Slayd Apparel (748 E. Warrington): All-ages clothing store.
Sojourner Art Gallery (829 E. Warrington): An art gallery featuring African, African-American and Caribbean art.
Thee Collection (600 E. Warrington): Elegant art gallery and event space.
Two Coffins Tattoo (848 E. Warrington): Tattoos and piercings.
Walk-in Closet (603 E. Warrington): Clothing and accessories.
The Weeping Glass (817 E. Warrington): A dark and strange shop selling odd antiques and art, candles, teas and the stray animal skull.
Related:
• Strip District guide
• Squirrel Hill guide
• Lawrenceville guide
• Shadyside guide
• Oakland guide
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